Arts project will celebrate Groats’ heritage
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THE iconic John O’Groats House Hotel will be turned into a “visual spectacular” this summer as the area’s long-awaited new dawn finally nears the horizon.
Highlands and Islands-based artists met at the landmark on Tuesday ?to discuss giving it a final moment of glory before work begins on the first stage of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the tourist spot later in the year.
The currently defunct hotel will form the central art piece at Transform, a weekend of community celebrations running on July 2 and 3, featuring street art, video projections, ceramic firings, storytelling and music.
Head of the transformational projects at Highlands and Islands Enterprise Carol Gunn said the agency has now invested £50,000, which has been matched ?with £58,500 of European LEADER funding, to deliver a range of projects to ensure creative involvement is an integral part of the future design of the site.
“One of the messages we got loud and clear from local people is that the future shape of John O’Groats, while meeting the needs of tourists, should also reflect the culture and heritage of the village,” she said.
“We have appointed a group of artists to kick-off the redevelopment through a range of exciting new projects, many involving the community as contributors. This community work has already started and the artists’ projects will culminate in this weekend of arts activity for all the family with temporary works, events and an arts ceilidh.”
With building work starting in the autumn on the regeneration of various parts of John O’Groats, the Transform artists are creating temporary works that reflect and celebrate the changes about to take place.
The first phase of improvements will include the redevelopment ?of the derelict hotel and the erection of new turfed-roof lodges nearby. Revamps of the Last House Museum and Journey’s End Cafe are also included in the initial stage of planned ?work and three other phases of upgrades and redevelopment will follow.
The weekend of arts and entertainment is just the first step towards a brighter future at John O’Groats, said Ms Gunn.
“The transformation of John O’Groats is so important socially and economically to the local area,” she said.
“We are delighted that by kicking off our arts project now we can raise awareness both locally and nationally about the changes which are taking place here – and can invite people to be part of the process as it unfolds.
“We will be working with local schools and groups and we hope visitors at John O’Groats will enjoy seeing the Transform arts projects come together.”
Local influence is an important part of the projects, according to arts programme manager Sue Pirnie.
“Local people will recognise the significance of the Groatie Buckies project
“This is named after the small cowrie shells from the local beach which, if kept in your purse, will ensure that you will never be poor.
“Artists will work with the community to celebrate the wealth of the area as a place to live – its natural and cultural heritage,” she said.
“Several artists will be appearing ?at the Canisbay Show where there will be opportunities for even more locals and visitors to see and get involved in their work.
“Later in the year more temporary works and activities will be programmed, and also the first permanent works as part of the redevelopment of the site and the surrounding area.”
The arts programme is being managed by Ms Pirnie, of the Black Isle, who developed the strategies for several recent public art projects in the Highlands; Inverness Streetscaping, the Centre for Health Sciences, Ness Islands and Eden Court Theatre.
The programme co-ordinator, ?Kirsty Body, was born and raised at John O’Groats – her parents own John O’Groats Pottery.
She has been working with galleries ?and on public arts projects in the central ?belt and is now returning to the Highlands.
